A pioneering Labour project to preserve and showcase the rich history of the Durham Light Infantry and create a modern leading-edge heritage experience opens today (Friday, June 14).
The history centre, named last year as “The Story”, will welcome its first visitors who will now be able to view 100% of the DLI collection as it is constantly updated and rotated, as well as explore 900 years of history from the incredible County Durham archive.
The Story was devised and developed by the former Labour administration at Durham County Council, which took the decision to fund the £20m project even though it was knocked back for Lottery funding in 2017.
Located at Mount Oswald Manor House, the former golf course clubhouse on the outskirts of Durham City, the history centre houses the DLI collection, which includes army vehicles, weapons, uniforms, medals and captures many more unique artefacts and stories from the county’s famous regiment.
Cllr Simon Henig, who championed the project as leader of Durham County Council, said:
“I’m so proud to see this Labour-conceived and Labour-led project finally come to fruition and people can immerse themselves in our county’s proud heritage in a modern, welcoming environment and a building worthy of housing such a breathtaking collection.
“The decision to create this incredible asset was not one Labour took lightly. It was a significant amount of money at a time when government austerity was really starting to bite. However, Labour recognises the importance of preserving the memory and sacrifice of the DLI and ensuring that future generations can learn about and celebrate our incredibly rich history.”
Labour created The Story to exhibit almost the entire DLI collection, only a tiny fraction of which could have been previously viewed at the former DLI Museum at Aykley Heads which trustees closed in 2016. The collection itself is vast, but the new venue will rotate exhibits to ensure it can be viewed in its entirety by visitors, many of whom will have had family members who served in the DLI.
County Durham Labour Leader, Cllr Carl Marshall, said:
“This is a project that has been long in development, but from the moment DLI Trustees took the incredibly tough decision to close the former museum Labour councillors started working with council officers and DLI-associated organisations to create a plan to create a new home for this inspiring collection.
“The redevelopment of the former Mt Oswald Golf Course presented us with an opportunity to create something special and I’m proud and delighted that a project Labour conceived and pushed for is now about to become one of the jewels in County Durham’s visitor offer, and something our residents will visit and enjoy for generations.”
The Story is situated in a converted 19th century Grade II listed manor house and houses the County Durham Archive, as well as the DLI collection. The archive covers 900 years of history and filled an estimated five miles of shelving at County Hall.
The Story is open and airy with large windows overlooking the grounds and exhibits with a café and grand ceremony rooms off the exhibition area. Visitors can explore the interactive collections and make use of state-of-the-art research facilities.
A dedicated volunteer room and classroom for school visits have also been created. The facility also houses Durham Register Office and will host weddings and civil ceremonies.